Examines the practice and implications of issuing corrections, retractions, and amplifications in online databases. All database producers do not provide mechanisms to accommodate retractions and corrections, and it can be difficult for a searcher to find evidence of error correction. Sidebars illustrate both the lack of and evidence of…

Discusses the need for comprehensive and accurate sources of information for librarians looking for information about online databases or CD-ROMs and compares, examines, and makes recommendations regarding three print and electronic directories--the "Gale Directory of Databases," Bowker's "World Databases," and Waterlow New…

Describes DIALOG Web, DataStar Web, and highlights three other Knight-Ridder services: DIALOG Select, a service for high-tech, pharmaceutical, legal, consumer products, and media markets, KR@Site, which supports access to 80 databases, and DIALOG@CARL, which applies graphical interfaces to 300 DIALOG databases. Also includes interviews with…

Describes the results of a study that tested the customer service responses from 11 companies selling online information including online hosts, database producers, and World Wide Web search engine companies. Highlights include content-oriented issues, costs, training, human interaction, and the use of technology to save time and increase…

Reports how a cross-section of database producers, search services, and aggregators are using vocabulary management to facilitate cross-file searching. Discusses the range of subject areas and audiences; indexing; vocabulary control within databases; machine aids to indexing; and aids to cross-file searching. A chart contains sources of files and…

Charts the trends and challenges that 1998 has brought to popular search engines such as AltaVista, Excite, HotBot, Infoseek, Lycos, and Northern Light. Highlights testing strategies used, use of real (not artificial) intelligence, innovations, online market pressures, barriers to use, and tips and recommendations. (AEF)

Describes the 1996 Internet World conference (New York, NY), and lists--alphabetically by company--products and services for professional online searchers offered by the selected top 40 (out of 550) exhibitors. Includes a product matrix chart for finding products that match needed applications. (AEF)

Analyzes whether push technology is a threat or opportunity for online searchers. Outlines key functions of push technology products and defines key technology terms. Illustrates how the role of the online searcher changes with push technology. (AEF)

Discusses the effects of Web-based electronic commerce, or "emmerce," on online user. Defines "cookies" and Persistent Client State HTTP Cookies or "magic cookies" on Macintosh computers. Examines underlying technologies that make up "cashless" transactions; growing demand for micropayments; CyberCash,…

Discusses Dialog's recent new pricing structure and its effects on librarians and other information professionals. Presents charts that compare Dialog databases with other search services (Dow Jones Interactive, LEXIS-NEXIS, OCLC FirstSearch, Ovid, Questel-Orbit, SilverPlatter, and STN) and Dialog via other channels (DataStar, Dialog Select,…

Presents results from a collective professional searcher evaluation of the effectiveness of Web search engines versus two traditional online services, DIALOG and Dow Jones Interactive. The conclusion outlines: searching assumptions; subjects and types of searches where DIALOG and Dow Jones Interactive showed superiority; advantages of using the…

Describes a Web-based information service, Northern Light, which demonstrates a new paradigm for serving large populations of users and delivering high-quality content on topics both general and narrow. Discusses performance of the search engine, search syntax, Northern Light's special collection, and pricing. (AEF)

Describes how information professionals at the 1997 SCOUG (Southern California Online User Group) conference created a Virtual Library Corporation of librarians to serve a worldwide, digital clientele. Mission statements were developed which included promoting/developing synergistic structures and systems for universal access, promoting…

Considers how the role of information specialists is changing and evolving due to the use of the Internet and the World Wide Web. Topics include the impact of new technology, knowledge of information systems and databases, the emergence of new vendors, examples of unique Web sites, and economic factors. (LRW)

Discusses problems for information professionals arising from traditional copyright legislation, as well as from the proposed Uniform Commercial Code 2B on information licensing. Highlights include responsibility of information consumers; World Wide Web terms and conditions, including those of newspapers and publishers; privacy issues; database…